Richie Foran sacked as Inverness Caledonian Thistle boss

The club were relegated to the Championship on the final day of the season.

Richie Foran: Time at Caley Thistle has come to an end.
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Richie Foran has been sacked as manager of Inverness Caledonian Thistle following the club's relegation from the Scottish Premiership.

The club confirmed Foran's departure on Monday afternoon after Highlanders finished bottom of the table despite a late comeback in the closing games of the season.

They won three of their last four league games but it was not enough to leapfrog Hamilton Accies into the play-off place.

New chairman Willie Finlayson said: "Richie has been a great servant to ICTFC and put 100% into his job as manager and previously as a player.

"We all thank him for his service and wish him and his family all the very best for the future."

STV understands Aberdeen Under-23s boss Paul Sheerin, a former Inverness player, is front-runner to take over and spearhead the bid for promotion next season.

Foran's position came under doubt following the announcement chairman Kenny Cameron had decided to step down after six years at the helm.

The manager, who was one year into a four-year deal, stated his desire to remain in charge immediately after the club suffered the drop on Saturday.

He acknowledged he was part of the problem but stressed he also wanted to be a part of the solution, saying: "I'm looking forward to getting rid of a few bad apples, who I should have got rid of in January. That was a mistake. I've learned a heck of a lot this season."

Foran won just 11 of his 45 games in charge, drawing 14 and losing 20.

The club also broke their own club record for conceding the most league goals over the course of one season.

They let in 71 over 38 games, scoring just 44 at the other end.

The former Caley Thistle captain replaced John Hughes in the dugout in summer 2016, following seven years as a player at the club. He made over 200 appearances and scored 44 goals.

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